Report - Book Report/Review Example

Ferdinand Magellan is the main character of this book. He is in charge of the fleet that sets sail and guides them through the rough seas of the world. He is in charge of the five ships despite the opposition and jealousy from certain people such as King Manuel of Portugal. Magellan was initially from Portugal and fought against the Indians for them in the conquest of North Africa. He encounters legal problems and is opposed by King Manuel, who takes over after the death of King Joao. Magellan is a courageous man.

He is ready to face the tough times at sea for as long as it takes. He wishes to get to the Spice Islands, just as he had planned with Ruy Faleiro. His mission is dangerous, and he has to evade pirates and violent natives. The seas are also violent, with threatening storms and gigantic sea creatures. Magellan has to fight on several occasions when their food and supplies get stolen by the natives (Bergreen, 2004). He is also an ambitious man, believing in a voyage that no one ever took before.

His ambition to seek the Spice Islands sees him face a lot of opposition, but he does not back down. He almost loses direction when they set sail and get to the mouth of the river in Barrameda. He is not afraid of the Portuguese and even risks passing near their territory in a bid to achieve his ambition. This man is heartless and selfish, using torture and murder to strengthen his stand as the leader of the crew in the armada. His mission is filled with betrayal and plans for mutiny. He is always on the lookout to identify methods of overthrowing him, identifying his loyal captains and distinguishing them from those who want to kill him.

He revenges by marooning Cartagena on a remote island for opposing Magellan’s reign. Mendoza is drawn and quartered for being part of a mutiny. Quesada is also murdered through the gruesome torture of drawing and quartering. His heartlessness leads to the opposition